Duterte to visit Israel on Sept. 2

[adroth]

Duterte to visit Israel on Sept. 2
Published August 10, 2018, 7:22 PM
By Roy Mabasa

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/08/10/duterte-to-visit-israel-on-sept-2/

President Rodrigo Duterte will make a historic three-day visit to Israel on September 2, the first for a sitting Philippine president since the two countries officially established diplomatic ties some 60 years ago.

According to Israel Ambassador to Manila Effie Ben Matityau, Duterte will have separate meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin, aimed at bolstering political, security, people-to-people, and economic ties between the two countries.

Matityau said both sides are now working on the list of agreements to be signed during the visit, most particularly in defense and the civilian sector.

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[firstknight]

i'm excited on what will come out in the defense side!

[mamiyapis]

i'm excited on what will come out in the defense side!

You and me both. It feels like Israel is gunning to further cement it's role as a leading provider of defence equipmemt.

[Invictus]

Duterte to sign 8 deals in Jordan, Israel visits
By Azer Parrocha  August 30, 2018, 12:53 pm

MANILA -- The Philippines is scheduled to sign at least eight agreements with Israel and Jordan when President Rodrigo R. Duterte visits both countries from Sept. 2 to 8, a Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) official said Thursday.

In a pre-departure briefing in Malacañang, DFA Undersecretary Ernesto Abella described Duterte’s visits to Israel and Jordan as “historic” since it will be the first by a sitting Philippine president to both countries.

Duterte will be visiting Israel and Jordan upon the invitation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan, respectively. He will be in Israel from Sept. 2 to 5 and in Jordan from Sept. 6 to 8.

Abella said both visits will be a huge leap in the Philippines’ bilateral partnerships with both countries after decades of diplomatic relations.

“Strengthening ties with these nations will promote economic growth, create new employment opportunities and enhance security,” Abella said.

“A closer relationship with these nations means more opportunity to share expertise with each other in the fields of science, agriculture, industry and counter-terrorism,” he added.

The following agreements are expected to be signed between the Philippines and Israel:

• Labor: Memorandum of agreement on the employment of Filipino caregivers
• Science: Memorandum of understanding on scientific cooperation
• Investment: Memorandum of understanding between the Board of Investments and Invest in Israel -- a one-stop shop for potential investors

In the future, Abella said the government expects improvements in deployment procedures and the elimination of excessive placement fees imposed on Filipino workers bound for Israel.

He said the government also expects progress resulting from cooperation in the areas of science and agriculture, enhanced two-way trade and investments.

The following agreements are expected to be signed between the Philippines and Jordan:

• Labor: Memorandum on the employment of domestic workers and also a memorandum of understanding on labor cooperation to improve working conditions of Filipino domestic workers in Jordan.
• Defense: Memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation to upgrade the country’s defense capabilities.
• Foreign affairs: Political consultations
• Trade and investment: Investment agreement with Jordan Investment Commission and expect enhancement of two-way trade and investments.
• A mutual recognition of Standard of Training and Certification of Watchkeepers (STCW) for Seafarers

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[Invictus]

Israel’s PM, president look forward to PRRD visit: New envoy
By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora  September 1, 2018, 10:50 am

MANILA -- Both the prime minister and president of Israel are anticipating the historic trip of President Rodrigo Duterte to their country, which is expected to further bolster Philippine-Israeli ties, Israel’s new ambassador to the Philippines said.

“The upcoming historic visit of President Duterte to Israel will enable both our countries to expand and strengthen our excellent relations to many more fields. President Reuven Rivlin and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are looking forward to meeting President Duterte in Israel,” Ambassador Rafael Harpaz said in a statement late Friday.

“Israel and the Philippines share an extensive and warm relationship in many areas, including economic and trade relations, security cooperation, agriculture, development assistance, and tourism,” he added.

Duterte on Friday accepted the credentials of Harpaz during the presentation of credentials at Malacañan Palace. After the ceremony, Duterte and the envoy exchanged views on how to further strengthen Philippine-Israeli relations.

Expected to be signed between the Philippines and Israel during the Chief Executive's trip are a memorandum of agreement on the employment of Filipino caregivers; a memorandum of understanding on scientific cooperation; and a memorandum of understanding between the Board of Investments and Invest in Israel -- a one-stop shop for potential investors.

Harpaz said Philippine-Israeli relations stand on the "noble deed" of the Philippines through the late president Manuel Quezon’s “Open Door policy” that saved 1,300 Jewish people from the Holocaust.

“Israel is eternally thankful to the gracious deed of the Philippines to save Jewish lives,” he said. “We are also appreciative to the approximately 30,000 Filipinos who are working as caregivers to many Israelis in need.”

He also expressed appreciation to the thousands of Filipino professionals, who participate in development programs in Israel and in the Philippines through MASHAV, Israel’s international agency for development cooperation.

The envoy further noted the growing Philippine-Israeli ties on education, with more than 600 Filipino students from 29 state universities and colleges participating in the 11-month internship in modern agriculture in Israel every year.

Harpaz arrived in the Philippines last August 26. Prior to his designation as Israel’s ambassador to the Philippines, he had served as director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Central Asia and Caucasus Department since December 2015.

He also served as Israel’s ambassador to Azerbaijan (2012-2015), director of the Public Affairs Department at the Embassy of Israel in Washington DC (2005-2009), deputy chief of mission at the Embassy of Israel in Stockholm, Sweden (1999-2003), Bern, Switzerland (1993-1997), and Abidjan, Ivory Coast (1991-1993).

Harpaz succeeds Effie Ben Matityau, who ended his tour of duty last August 26. (PNA)

[adroth]

Philippines' Rodrigo Duterte embarks on Israel and Jordan trip
Defence, labour and tourism deals high the agenda during Israel visit, the first by a Filipino president.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/09/philippines-rodrigo-duterte-embarks-israel-jordan-trip-180902135759973.html

Rodrigo Duterte has embarked on a visit to Israel, the first such trip by a Philippine president, as part of a regional tour that will also include a stop in Jordan.

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While in Israel, Duterte will meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin, with defence, labour and tourism deals high the agenda.

Duterte is eager to improve security cooperation with Israel, which has sold the Philippines three radar systems and 100 armoured vehicles, and which Manila is now eyeing for an aircraft deal.

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[adroth]

CONTROVERSIAL DUTERTE TO ARRIVE FOR 1ST EVER VISIT BY FILIPINO PRESIDENT
In 2016 he likened his war against drugs to Hitler’s war against the Jews, though he later apologized for that remark.
BY HERB KEINON   SEPTEMBER 2, 2018 04:47

https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Controversial-Duterte-to-arrive-for-1st-ever-visit-by-Filipino-president-566296

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Duterte is arriving with a massive delegation, including a number of ministers – including his defense minister – and retiring police and army officials. In 2017 the Philippines emerged for the first time as a major arms market for Israel, buying radar and anti-tank systems at a cost of some $21 million.

Anther issues on the agenda is the opening of a direct flight route from Manila to Tel Aviv, and the possibility that – like a recently inaugurated Air India flight from New Delhi – such a flight may fly over Saudi Arabia on its way to and from Israel. Such a route would increase tourism for both countries, including Philippine Christians wanting to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

Also among the agreements to be signed, according to the Foreign Ministry, is an agreement to regulate the employment of an estimated 28,000 Filipino care-workers in Israel. According to the Foreign Ministry, this “agreement will protect the workers’ rights, ensure equal and fair ‎treatment of them, and cancel all the fees that until now they have been forced to pay to ‎intermediate agents.”

Another agreement will be signed to bring Filipinos to work in Israel hotels.

In addition to his defense minister, Duterte will also be accompanied by his ministers of foreign affairs, trade and industry, agriculture, ‎internal security, science and technology, labor and employment, tourism and transportation. ‎Senior senators will also be part of the delegation, as will some 150 businessmen.

He is scheduled to arrive Sunday evening and shortly afterward hold an event for Filipino workers in Jerusalem. During his visit he is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Reuven Rivlin, tour the Old City, visit Yad Vashem and inaugurate a monument in Rishon Lezion that commemorates the Philippines rescue of Jews during World War II.

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[adroth]

Duterte in Israel says sorry for Obama ‘son of a whore’ jab, stands by rape joke
Controversial Philippine president starts three-day visit with speech to some 1,400 Filipino workers in Jerusalem
By TOI STAFF and AGENCIES
Today, 2:07 am

https://www.timesofisrael.com/duterte-in-israel-sorry-for-calling-obama-son-of-a-whore-but-backs-rape-joke/

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Duterte, 73, arrived in Israel earlier Sunday for a visit that has drawn widespread condemnation, given his human rights record and his recent comparison of himself to Hitler.


Duterte was met at Ben Gurion Airport by Communication Minister Ayoub Kara of the governing Likud party, before heading off to Jerusalem to meet with some 1,400 Filipinos.

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The meeting was closed to Israeli journalists, but reporters travelling with Duterte said that he gave a rambling talk of more than an hour, during which aids frequently tried to get him to tone down his colorful language.

During the speech, Duterte apologized to former US President Barack Obama for calling him a “son of a whore” in 2016 ahead of a planned meeting where he warned he would not be lectured by Obama over concerns about a brutal war on crime that had then claimed more than 2,400 lives in the Philippines.

“You must be respectful. Do not just throw away questions and statements. Son of a whore, I will curse you in that forum,” Duterte told reporters when asked about his message for Obama.

“I am sorry for uttering those words,” Duterte said Sunday in Jerusalem, according to a reporter with the Manila Bulletin. It was not immediately clear why he chose to address the Obama insult during his Israel visit. He also told Obama he had forgiven him too.

The president also defended his recent remarks in which he said there would be many rape cases in a Philippine city “if there were many beautiful women.”

Duterte told the crowd he was joking, but also said he was just exercising his right to freedom of speech in a democracy.

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He drew outrage that year when he compared his anti-drug campaign to the Holocaust and himself to Adolf Hitler, saying he would be “happy to slaughter” three million addicts as the Nazi leader slaughtered the Jews. He later apologized.

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The president of the Philippines Rodrigo Roa Duterte (C) waves upon his arrival in Jerusalem at the start of an official visit to Israel, on September 2, 2018. (AFP PHOTO / MENAHEM KAHANA)





Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte with Communications Minister Ayoub Kara at Ben Gurion Airport. September 2, 2018 (Avi Ohayon/Government Press Office)

[Invictus]

Duterte, Netanyahu hold bilateral talks
By Azer Parrocha  September 3, 2018, 9:12 pm

MANILA -- Philippine President Rodrigo R. Duterte and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met in bilateral meeting on Monday as part of efforts have a broader cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting, held at Netanyahu’s office, was “restricted” and not open to media coverage.

Duterte and Netanyahu also witnessed the signing of three agreements--the Memorandum of Agreement on the Employment of Filipino Caregivers, Memorandum of Understanding on Scientific Cooperation, and Memorandum of Understanding between the Board of Investments and Invest in Israel.

After the meeting, Duterte is expected to attend a wreath-laying ceremony at the Israel Holocaust memorial center, Yad Vashem in Jerusalem.

On Tuesday, September 4, Duterte will be meeting with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Ernesto Abella earlier acknowledged that Israel is a “very liberal and outspoken country” just like the Philippines and their people were free to voice their opinions.

Abella emphasized that Israelis “deeply appreciate” Duterte’s tough stance on illegal drugs and criminality.

“The Israelis deeply appreciate his stand and his position and his administration,” Abella said.

Duterte, the first Philippine president to visit the Israel, will be in the country from September 2 to 5.

From Israel, Duterte will fly to Jordan for another official visit from September 5 to 8 upon the invitation of His Majesty King Abdullah II. Duterte is also the first Philippine president who will visit the country. (PNA)

[Invictus]

From The Prime Minister of Israel social media page:

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met today at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem with Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte.

Three bilateral agreements were signed in the presence of Prime Minister Netanyahu and Philippines President Duterte:

1) The Bilateral Agreement for the Temporary Employment of Filipino Home-Based Caregivers in Israel, which will completely cancel all fees paid to agents and will save thousands of shekels. The agreement will assist the elderly and those in need of caregiving in Israel and ill have positive repercussions on similar agreements with other countries in the future.

Interior Minister Aryeh Deri and Secretary of Labor and Employment Silvestre Hernando Bello signed for Israel and the Philippines, respectively.

2) A Memorandum of Understanding on Scientific Cooperation which will encourage and establish scientific cooperation programs between the Israeli Ministry of Science and Technology and the Philippines Department of Science and Technology.

Science and Technology Minister Ofir Akunis and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano signed for Israel and the Philippines, respectively.

3) A Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Encouraging Bilateral Investments between Invest in Israel of the Israeli Ministry of Economy and Industry Foreign Investment and Industrial Cooperation Authority and Philippines Department of Trade and Industry Board of Investments.

Economy and Industry Minister Eli Cohen and Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez signed for Israel and the Philippines, respectively.

Photos: Amos Ben Gershom, GPO

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Video link here: https://www.facebook.com/IsraeliPM/videos/1894201490886951/?t=0

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From: https://news.abs-cbn.com/overseas/multimedia/photo/09/03/18/duterte-meets-netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (right) shakes hands with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte during their meeting in Jerusalem on Monday. President Duterte is also scheduled to meet with President Reuven Rivlin and witness the signing of several partnership agreements with Israel.

[adroth]

Duterte thanks Netanyahu for help in ending Marawi siege

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/09/duterte-netanyahu-marawi-siege-180903133410283.html

The Philippine president praised Israel's prime minister for his "critical help" in ending a five-month siege by rebels in a southern city as they held talks in Jerusalem amid criticism of the Filipino leader's human rights record.

Rodrigo Duterte told Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday the conflict in Marawi on Mindanao island "could have dragged on were it not for the very substantial and crucial equipment" from Israel. He did not elaborate.

It was the first time Duterte acknowledged publicly Israel's help in ending the Marawi siege in 2017.

"Mr Prime Minister, I can only thank you so much especially at the critical help that you have extended my country in time when we needed it most," Duterte said.

"In the recent trouble in the Philippines, the extent of the help that you extended was very critical in winning the war."

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[Invictus]

Duterte hopes for 'stronger' PH-Israel ties
By Azer Parrocha  September 4, 2018, 1:19 pm

MANILA -- Hopeful that ties between the Philippines and Israel flourish over the years, President Rodrigo R. Duterte told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Filipinos will continue to extend their help as they did when they received Jewish refugees during the Holocaust.

“We received the Israelis there and their families and I am sure that many of them have spread all throughout the country,” Duterte said in his speech during his meeting with Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Monday.

“Thank you and may we continue to be blessed with a strong relationship. I do not think that there will ever be a time when there is an irritation between our two countries,” he added.

Duterte said both the Philippines and Israel shares the passion for peace, for human beings, and the desire not to allow their countries to be destroyed by corrupt ideologies.

“In this sense, Israel can expect any help that the Philippines can extend to your country,” he said.

Netanyahu, meanwhile, said he was “deeply moved” by the Philippines’ show of humanity since former president Manuel Quezon allowed the entry of some 1,300 Jewish refugees to the country.

“We remember the exceptional role of the Philippines that received Jewish refugees during the Holocaust. We remember that the Philippines was the only Asian country that voted for the establishment of the State of Israel in the UN resolution in 1947,” Netanyahu said.

“I, like many, many Israeli families, have (been) deeply moved by this show of humanity,” he added.

Duterte and Netanyahu witnessed the signing of three agreements -- the Memorandum of Agreement on the Employment of Filipino Caregivers, Memorandum of Understanding on Scientific Cooperation, and Memorandum of Understanding between the Board of Investments and Invest in Israel.

Netanyahu described how Filipino caregivers have taken care of the Israeli elderly as a “remarkable phenomenon” as someone who has experienced it first-hand.

“I am one of those families, Mr. President. My late father died at the age of 102. In his later years, (he) received incredible care by a caregiver from the Philippines, a woman who has exceptional compassion and intelligence. She took care of my father’s every need. And when he passed away, she took care of his brother’s niece until he passed away,” the Israeli Prime Minister said.

“This is an exceptional agreement and I think heralds the kind of friendship that we are developing,” he added.

After their meeting, Duterte visited the the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Center as part of his four-day official visit in Israel.

The President expressed hope that a “horrific and benighted period of human history” would not happen again.

“I hope that this will not happen again. But we are a world whose — now... We have learned so much along the years during the two wars,” he said.

“There is always a lesson to be learned and that despots and leaders who show insanity should be — well they should be disposed of at the first instance,” he added. (PNA)

[adroth]

Duterte: PH will only buy military weapons from Israel
By: Nestor Corrales - Reporter / @NCorralesINQ INQUIRER.net / 07:11 PM September 04, 2018

JERUSALEM – President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday told Israeli President Reuven Rivlin that he has ordered the Philippine military to buy weapons only from Israel.

“My orders to my military is that in terms of military equipment particularly intelligence gathering, we only have one country to buy it from. That is my order, specifically, Israel,” he told Rivlin in a meeting here.

The Philippines has long relied on the United States for military weapons and hardware.

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Read more: http://globalnation.inquirer.net/169628/duterte-ph-will-buy-military-weapons-israel#ixzz5QBfm28HN
Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook

[Buster1123]

Duterte thanks Netanyahu for help in ending Marawi siege

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/09/duterte-netanyahu-marawi-siege-180903133410283.html

The Philippine president praised Israel's prime minister for his "critical help" in ending a five-month siege by rebels in a southern city as they held talks in Jerusalem amid criticism of the Filipino leader's human rights record.

Rodrigo Duterte told Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday the conflict in Marawi on Mindanao island "could have dragged on were it not for the very substantial and crucial equipment" from Israel. He did not elaborate.

It was the first time Duterte acknowledged publicly Israel's help in ending the Marawi siege in 2017.

"Mr Prime Minister, I can only thank you so much especially at the critical help that you have extended my country in time when we needed it most," Duterte said.

"In the recent trouble in the Philippines, the extent of the help that you extended was very critical in winning the war."

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hmmm...I am wondering how muslim radicals and muslims in general would feel about this...they are not really fond of Israel, you know.